Top baby-friendly resorts

Mary Fetzer is a freelance writer and marketing consultant with a marketing degree from Penn State University and 15 years of international business experience. Mary specializes in writing about parenting, children, pregnancy, college, h...

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Check out our pick of some of the nation's best baby-friendly resorts for you to consider for your next family vacation.

"Resort vacation" calls to mind visions of five-star dining and luxurious spa treatments. But did you know that there are baby-friendly resorts? These fabulous family vacation destinations understand the challenges of traveling with a baby and go all out to make it easier.

The Tyler Place Family Resort

Northern Vermont is home to the Tyler Place resort and family getaway set on 165 acres of woods, meadows and lakeshore. This unique vacation property looks nothing like a typical resort or hotel chain.

The all-inclusive waterfront resort boasts carriage houses and country cottages for a truly laid-back vacation experience. A two-bedroom cottage features a kitchenette — all you need are the groceries. Pick up just about anything at the resort convenience store. There are no TVs, phones or room service, although Wi-Fi is available and cell phone service is good.

Enjoy peace of mind. The Tyler Place provides cribs, high chairs, diapers, sunscreen, thermometers and OTC medicines. And enjoy some private couple time — in-room babysitting services are available.

Location: Highgate Springs, VermontPhone: 802-868-4000

Club Med Sandpiper

When you're searching for baby-friendly vacation resorts, Club Med Sandpiper is sure to be listed. The resort truly has something for everyone, beginning with family members as young as four months!

Club Med Sandpiper sits on the East Coast of Florida on the St. Lucie River. This all-inclusive resort is just one hour from Orlando and two hours from Miami, but you'll likely be content to stay right on the resort. Nicely appointed rooms were designed with families in mind and feature cribs, high chairs and all the comforts of home.

The resort features Baby Club Med, which caters to little ones aged four months to two years. Open six days a week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., babies get regular meal times, naps, gentle wake-up games and lots of cuddles. Afterward, babies can rejoin their parents for a family meal at the Baby Restaurant.

Location: Port St. Lucie, FloridaPhone: 888-WEB-CLUB

La Costa Resort and Spa

La Costa Resort and Spa has it all. The 610-room Spanish colonial resort is located near beautiful San Diego and caters to babies and their parents.

Enjoy extraordinary grown-up amenities while your baby enjoys tender-loving care at the Baby Camp nursery, a children's center that features an enormous exotic fish tank and cribs with fish-themed mobiles. Back in your baby-proofed room, you'll appreciate the details, including a crib, Diaper Genie and so much more.

The resort eateries will puree their menu offerings into baby food. Splash Landing offers a stretch of sand, a kiddie pool and refreshing bubbling fountains for babies and toddlers.

Reserve a family suite and bring the grandparents along. You'll get a sitting room, two bathrooms, a bedroom with a king bed, a connecting bedroom and even a patio!